Smartphones use to study and professional development among maxillofacial surgeons and residents

LUIZ FELIPE ROCHA VILAÇA, LOURRANY CARMO ARAUJO, LUCAS TEIXEIRA BRITO, GUSTAVO CAMPOLINA BARBOSA PEREIRA, ROBSON RODRIGUES GARCIA, DOUGLAS RANGEL GOULART

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the use of smartphones for the purpose of professional development in maxillofacial surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with residents and surgeons specializing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology (OMFS) from July 2020 to February 2021. Data were collected through an electronic form designed specifically for this study and made available through a link and sent by email. Results: The study included 83 participants, of which 65.1% were OMFS specialists, while the percentage of residents was 34.9%. Among residents, the highest participation was among those in the first and third years, with 51.7% and 34.5% respectively. Of these professionals, 80.7% reported using some application on the smartphone for the purpose of continuing education in the area of maxillofacial surgery. The most used application for this purpose was the AO Manual Surgery, with an usage rate of 15.6% among specialists and residents. In addition, from the total of participants, 78.3% said they follow profiles on social networks, with professional and/or educational development purposes. The most used social media was Instagram, with 50.7% of users. Conclusion: Smartphones can offer a promising method of delivery and improving access to educational information for maxillofacial surgeons; for this, however, it is necessary to create new applications and quality control of the information provided.

Keywords: Mobile applications. Communication. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Social networking. Education, distance.

How to cite: Vilaça LFR, Araujo LC, Brito LT, Pereira GCB, Garcia RR, Goulart DR. Smartphones use to study and professional development among maxillofacial surgeons and residents. J Braz Coll Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021 Sept-Dec;7(3):22-9.

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